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Rating: 
Summary: A great followup to Uncle Sean
Review: Be forewarned. The reviews of this writer's books are effusively generous with their praise - suspiciously and undeservedly so, in my opinion. This book would probably appeal to someone in the 13- to 15-year-old age range (like "Uncle Sean," "Common Sons" and "The Blind Season"). It is not for adults. It is not for those who enjoy good reading. It is poorly written, repetitive, and unsatisfying. The characters are sappy and emotional - they cry a lot. While the situations and themes created for them are serious (child abuse, bigotry towards gays, commitment in relations), the solutions are sensational, melodramatic, and ultimately unrealistic. This book is "thin" on content (only 190 pages). While the price paid by readers is lining the pockets of the author and his publisher, I resent having (foolishly) laid out a considerable sum to buy four of this writer's books on the strength of the overwhelmingly favorable - and, in my opinion, inaccurate and misleading - reviews published at this website. None of the reviews mention the brevity of some of these books. All of them have sequels (either published or in progress). Printing each of the series as single volumes would at least have been fairer and more honest. To illustrate, "Uncle Sean" ends on page 196 with a footnote addressed to the main character Will Barnett (from whose journal written as a 14-year-old the book draws its story), imploring: "Will Barnett, if you are out there and can add to this story, I am sure your readers will join me in asking for more!" A similar device is employed in "Lance" (the sequel) which ends at page 190.
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Summary: Donaghe continues to deliver!
Review: Donaghe writes from his heart and Lance proves just that.
Lance is a wonderful follow-up to Uncle Sean. Will's and Lance's angst and struggles in a homophobic small community is compellingly written. Lance's near rape and "castration" just leaves my heart cold. I am glad that Will's and Lance's love for each other is strong enough to withstand the hostility and animosity. They maybe just 18 but their committment to each other and their referring to each other as husband just warms my heart. The ending is frustrating as it leaves Will "hanging" but it is a perfect bridge to the 3rd book. Keep it up Donaghe!
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Summary: If you loved "Uncle Sean" you've got to read "Lance"
Review: For those who read Uncle Sean and loved it, this continuation of that story is a must-read. Lance picks up where Uncle Sean left off and is just as riveting. Ron Donaghe continues to speak so convincingly in Will's voice that the reader is forced to remind himself that this is a work of fiction--or to wonder if it really is. As Will and Lance grow to know each other, the reader grows to know each of them. Their bond grows strong as their love deepens and it becomes evident that this is a relationship that can stand the test of time. Lance and Will face the challenges over which they have no control, forced upon them by a homophobic society, and if anything, come out stronger and closer because of them.
It's impossible not to fall in love with Will and Lance and impossible not to fall in love with this story. The book ends leaving the reader on pin and needles, wondering if their love can survive their biggest challenge yet but is picked up without missing a beat in All Over Him, Donaghe's next installment in Will and Lance's story.
Rating:
Summary: If you loved "Uncle Sean" you've got to read "Lance"
Review: For those who read Uncle Sean and loved it, this continuation of that story is a must-read. Lance picks up where Uncle Sean left off and is just as riveting. Ron Donaghe continues to speak so convincingly in Will's voice that the reader is forced to remind himself that this is a work of fiction--or to wonder if it really is. As Will and Lance grow to know each other, the reader grows to know each of them. Their bond grows strong as their love deepens and it becomes evident that this is a relationship that can stand the test of time. Lance and Will face the challenges over which they have no control, forced upon them by a homophobic society, and if anything, come out stronger and closer because of them.
It's impossible not to fall in love with Will and Lance and impossible not to fall in love with this story. The book ends leaving the reader on pin and needles, wondering if their love can survive their biggest challenge yet but is picked up without missing a beat in All Over Him, Donaghe's next installment in Will and Lance's story.
Rating:
Summary: A great followup to Uncle Sean
Review: I live in an isolated part of the country and depend a lot on the internet for some enjoyment. The greatest joy was to discover stories practically like my own life, growing up on a farm, wishing I had a boyfriend, and so living such a fantasy through Will Barnett and his love affair with cute little Lance was one of the best stories I've found. The one review on this page that got me was the mean one. I just had to let you know that it's wrong all the way. I've only read Uncle Sean of Donahue's books, but I plan to do them all. In Uncle Sean you know how Will feels, falling in love with his uncle and being told 'no.' And to wait for the right boy. And then Will finds him. Lance comes along and then in the second journal their love deepens and you feel that too.
Rating:
Summary: A great follow-up to Uncle Sean!
Review: I was pleased when Ronald L. Donaghe agreed to my suggestion that I write the preface to this novel. Lance is a great follow-up to Uncle Sean, the first book in �The Continuing Journals of Will Barnett.� It�s also a fitting chapter in the career of one of gay fiction�s best writers. If you liked any of Donaghe�s previous novels, you should like this one as well. It brings back the New Mexico landscape, the fears over difference, and the need to remain a part of one�s family while remaining true to one�s self. As Will enters adulthood, he finds that his love for Lance will continue to complicate his life and his relationship with others. Friends become enemies, and enemies become potential allies. Everything changes as people begin to confront their prejudices and insecurities. Like The Salvation Mongers (still my favorite of Donaghe�s books) and Uncle Sean, this novel also confronts the abuse that sometimes hides within seemingly ideal homes. All in all, though, Donaghe offers hope to those who will be true to themselves and tolerant of others. You�ll find a lot of sex, as well as a lot of evocative descriptions of farm life and nature�s beauty. But you�ll more likely remember the tender love story and how life�s problems and opportunities affect that love.
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Summary: What an amazing continuation to the Will Story?.
Review: This is book two in the `continuing Journal' stories of Will Barnett. The Author, Ron Donaghe strikes again with volume two of his transcribing of Will's Journals that he has found. This book essentially picks up a few months after the end of his last book (`Uncle Sean'). Will and Lance are just head over heals in Love. This story takes you through good times, and bad. Acceptance and Hate. Love, and `Gay Bashing'. I both thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was very easy to read... Ron attempts to make the Will Barnett series more readable for young Gay readers (and straight ones as well)... and leaves his Common Threads Series, for the older reader (i.e. upper teens on up). I will say this... Ron is looking to make 3 or 4 books out of all the Journals that Will has given him (some he found, some he was given). So if you are looking to see how Will turns out, you will not find that in this book.. (a fact that is currently driving me crazy as I now have to wait for installment number 3 to read more on Will). This book will leave you questioning.. is Will Barnett real or is he an exceptionally well created character in the author's mind. Even though there is an e-mail address for Will Barnett in the back of the book, the forward still states this is a truly fictitious work. I don't know what to believe. I really hope Will is real. Again, you will fully enjoy this book, but I would HIGHLY recommend reading `Uncle Sean' by Ron Donaghe FIRST!!! Mike Heine (`winterstone')
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